Tips For Visiting White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park has been on my bucket list from the very first time I saw a photo of those rolling white sand dunes.

I was so excited for the chance to visit when we were staying with my sister in El Paso. It lived up to every last one of my expectations and more!

Here are a few helpful tips if you’re planning a trip. And if you plan to visit El Paso while you’re in the area, be sure to check out our recommendations for family-friendly things to do in El Paso!

Tips For Visiting White Sands National Park

Table of Contents

• What to Expect at White Sands National Park
• Things to Know Before You Go
• Things to Do At White Sands National Park

What to Expect at White Sands National Park

We have visited so many incredible places, but witnessing White Sands National Park in New Mexico completely took my breath away.

This natural wonder is one of the most stunning places in the United States and is awe-inspiring to be able to experience the beauty in person.

White Sands National Park is the fossilized remains of an ancient ocean and covers 275 square miles of desert.

It is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. It’s a sea of glistening white sand for as far as the eye can see.

Things to Know Before You Go

White Sands National Park is home to the first atomic bomb test site in 1945. Today the White Sands Missile Range is still active.

The road into White Sands is closed during active missile testing. Check here for closures and operating hours before visiting.

The dunes are made up of gypsum, which unlike silica, it does not absorb heat from the sun. This means that even in the summer, the dunes stay cool and comfortable to walk on.

Just keep in mind that temperatures can get dangerously high at the peak of summer. Always bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and avoid long hikes when it is hot.

Dunes Drive Road is an 8-mile scenic road that takes you from the visitor’s center to the heart of the dunes. The road is suitable for all vehicles.

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to complete the 16-mile round-trip drive. Of course, you’ll want to set aside more time to stop and explore along the way.

There are no stores or restaurants in the park. The nearest facilities are in Alamogordo, about a 15-minute drive away. Be sure to pack plenty of food and water for the day.

Covered picnic tables are available throughout the park and come in handy for keeping sand out of your food! We would also recommend a sand-free mat. If you’ve never used one they are amazing for the beach or sand dunes!

Keep your eyes out for African Oryx, a species of antelope. In the early 1970s, a heard of 93 African Oryx were imported from East Africa and released in the desert.

Today White Sands National Monument is home to more than 3,000 Oryx. It is a surreal experience if you are lucky enough to spot one!

Things to Do At White Sands National Park

Five hiking trails have been established within the park. For more information and recommendations, consult with a knowledgeable park ranger at the visitor’s center.

Sand sledding down the soft white dunes is such a fun experience! It feels like you’re sledding down a snowy hill, but without the cold.

You can purchase saucer sleds from the gift shop (call ahead for availability), or bring your own sleds, body boards or sand boards.

For a magical and memorable experience, book a horse riding excursion through the dunes.

The Chihuahuan desert is home to a variety of native plants. Stop at the visitor center’s garden to learn more about the native vegetation.

While at the visitor’s center, you can also find information about moonlight hikes and sunset tours available throughout the year.

The sand dunes take on an otherworldly magic as the light shifts across the waves of white sand.

Backcountry camping is available with a permit. There are only 10 sites available and permits are given out on a first-come-first-serve basis. The permits are inexpensive, only $3/person.

You will just need to pack in all your equipment about one mile to the campground. This is the only camping allowed in the park.

The best advice I can give is just to enjoy your day and be prepared to be amazed by the beauty!

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